Photo Credit: Adelaide Strikers
Megan Schutt, the first WBBL player to ever sign as a Striker has dusted off the quill to ink a three-year extension with the Adelaide franchise.
Such is the consistency of Schutt, who has either occupied or been within close reach of top spot in the international bowler rankings since debuting in national colours, she has never missed a WBBL game. The Strikers have 85 scorecards in the history books, and the name Megan Schutt has been on every single one of them.
Across those fixtures, 74 opposition innings have been ended by the relentless swing and laser-like accuracy that Schutt can conjure at will. Regularly opening the bowling before being redeployed in the crucial latter overs, Schutt’s average of 24 and economy rate of under six in the shortest form of the game are truly remarkable.
Captaining the club last season in the absence of Suzie Bates, Schutt displayed her innate leadership abilities alongside a passion for South Australian cricket that shone throughout the tournament.
Schutt referenced this love of her home state when discussing the three-year extension.
‘I am so excited to sign a long-term deal as a Striker and am extremely motivated to continue the work of building something special with this amazing group we have.
‘It is a dream to be able to represent Adelaide and South Australia and I will always do that with pride. We can’t wait to play in front of our passionate fans this season. There are plenty of games scheduled at home for us, so we’ll see everyone there!’
A prolific wicket-taker, Schutt holds the incredible distinction of not only being the first woman to take a hat-trick in Twenty20 internationals for Australia, but also the first to achieve the same feat in One Day Internationals.
One of the most experienced players on the planet, Schutt has played on the international stage 142 times, representing Australia in T20I’s, ODI’s and Test Match cricket for a return of 204 wickets.
Strikers Head Coach, Luke Williams, spoke of the impact Schutt has on those around her.
‘Megan is a huge part of the Adelaide Strikers, and we are thrilled to have her elite talent locked away for at least three more years. Megan brings much more than wickets to our team; she brings experience and a positive, professional attitude that affects our entire squad.
‘I know how much Megan loves representing South Australia, and to have her in blue well into the future is a great result for everyone involved.’
Name of Author: Adelaide Strikers
The Adelaide Strikers are an Australian professional Twenty20 cricket team based in Adelaide, South Australia, competing in the Big Bash League (BBL). Established in 2011, they succeeded the Southern Redbacks, who played in the now-defunct KFC Twenty20 Big Bash. The Strikers play their home games at the Adelaide Oval and wear a cornflower blue uniform.
